540 South Main, The Arcade

The Digital Archive of the Memphis Public Library & Information Center

The Arcade, Memphis' oldest cafe opened in 1919 by Greek immigrant Speros Zepatos. The original building, a wooden structure with a pot belly stove, burned down in 1924 and the current building dates back 1925 with hopes of later adding a hotel above the restaurant.

Most of Memphis' servicemen in both World Wares ate their last meal at The Arcade before shipping out.

The Arcade stayed open 24 hours a day from 1919 through 1968 when a city-imposed curfew following MLK's assassination forced it to close its doors after dark. Speros had to buy a lock for the door - it had never been locked in 49 years!

Speros' grandson, Harry, now runs the restaurant as the third generation owner. Because of its authentic decor, the Arcade has been featured in more than 40 movies and films!